GEOG 105: Cultural Geography

[Pages:4]GEOG 105: Cultural Geography

Professor:

Office Hours:

Prerequisites: none *

Required Texts:

Human Geography: Landscapes of Human Activities. Mark D. Bjelland, Daniel R. Montello, Jerome D. Fellman, Arthur Getis, Judith Getis, 2013. New York: McGraw-Hill, 12th edition. ISBN: 978-0-07-802146-6

Goode's World Atlas, Rand McNally, 2017. Chicago, Ill: Hudson Publishers, 23rd ed.

It is important to bring both the textbook and the atlas to every class. Failure to bring these required items to class may affect your grade since you will not be prepared for class and may be unable to complete the course requirements on any given day.

I. Course Description:

This course examines the basic concepts of human geography and the forces and factors shaping the cultural character of the Earth's surface viewed as the home of the human race. Topical studies include population, settlement patterns, economies, political systems, and other cultural phenomena.

In addition, we will examine topics with a focus on discovering not only where human activities occur, but why and how they occur there.

The second text, the Goode's World Atlas, will help us examine and understand the different areas of the world. More than just a collection of general maps of the world, this atlas contains numerous thematic maps, which give detailed information on the world as well as general distributions of people, resources, physical environments, and the human condition in the context of geography. We will be using this atlas to learn interpretation of various thematic maps and more.

*While there is no prerequisite for GEOG 105, assessment levels equivalent to English 101/101A, Reading 120, and Math 093/096 are required.

II. Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Distinguish patterns and interactions of human cultures

2. Discuss human impact on the environment

3. Compare cultural groups including similarities and differences

4. Locate places on maps, such as continents, countries, states, and cities

5. Interpret thematic maps effectively

6. Explain assimilation and acculturation among various ethnic groups

7. Utilize atlases and maps as tools

III. Format:

The format of this class is based on interactive lecture/class discussion (All students are expected to participate in class discussion.). And students are expected to be respectful of each other and the different values, beliefs, and attitudes that will be shared both in and out of class.

You are also responsible for any information that is above and beyond the text and lecture. For example, throughout the semester you will be required to complete classroom activities that involve the materials, concepts, events, and processes introduced in the classroom.

In order to supplement classroom learning, you should read the text thoroughly and pay attention to the many features of the text such as boxed topics, fact tables, charts, maps, and the glossary, all of which will complement the material covered in class.

IV. Attendance & Classroom Behavior:

It is my expectation that you will have regular attendance, be on time, and be prepared for class. Your attendance is a vital factor in class discussion and provides a fundamental means of integrating and organizing the material presented in text, lecture, and through other sources.

It is your responsibility to insure that you have signed the roll for the day. Do not interrupt class to do so. Arrange to sign the roll immediately following the class. Attendance records are required by the college.

In addition, you are expected to exhibit the attitudes and behaviors that are central to student success. For example, as mentioned above, you are expected to be in class and be on time. If you repeatedly arrive late for class, leave early, or simply do not attend class, then you are breaking

some of the basics of classroom etiquette. Missing class and being late, whether intentionally or unintentionally, shows lack of respect for your classmates and the professor. You should have textbooks, assignments, homework, notebooks, and writing utensils ready to go by the time class begins. And again, you should never send, or check, electronic messages, answer a phone, do homework for another class, engage in social media, fall asleep, or chat with other students in class.

Information missed may have direct consequences on your grade. It is your responsibility to obtain any information missed as the result of absences. It is impossible to give you a personal lecture on material missed.

Regardless of where I am in lecture, you should proceed in your reading according to the course calendar unless notified otherwise by me. Thus, an absence may cause you to miss reading assignment changes, changes in exam material and other modifications in course requirements.

Cell phones, beepers, and watches going off in class, and text messaging in class, are rude and inconsiderate, so make certain that all such items are turned off before class begins. In addition, it is not acceptable for students to leave during class to answer a phone or text message, or engage in social media. Again, turn off all electronic devices before class begins, and store them in a discrete place. Use of a cell phone during class or a cell phone sounding off in class is grounds for dismissal from the class for the day.

Snacks/drinks (not meals) are allowed as long as you clean up and throw trash away. Trash and recycling bins are located outside this classroom.

V. Students with Disabilities:

If you require course adaptations or accommodations because of a documented disability, if you have emergency information to share with me, or if you need particular arrangements in the case of the building being evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. You should get this information to me during the first two days of class so that I can attend to your accommodations.

NOTE: If you need accommodations, you should make an appointment with Disability Support Services (DSS) @ 240-567-5058, CB 122. An authorized letter is required for you to bring to me in order for your accommodations to be delivered.

VI. Examinations:

There are three (3) exams graded on a 100-point scale. The format for the exams is multiple choice questions and short answer essays. Material on the exams includes information from lecture, class discussion, text, handouts, and any other sources brought to the class. See the grading section below for the number of points that constitute an A, B, C, etc. If you arrive for the exam after the first person has handed in an exam, you are automatically considered to have

missed the exam time and you must take the make-up exam. Be certain to arrive in a timely fashion on exam days. ALL MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN ON THE DAY OF THE FINAL EXAM AS CUMULATIVE MATERIAL.

If you make less than a C on any exam or class assignment, you should make an appointment to see me immediately so that we can get you on track quickly. Waiting too late to make an appointment with me can affect your grade in the course.

I will be discussing the particulars of the make-up exams later in the semester. And again, missing a class can cause you to miss important information. If you miss an exam it is your responsibility to obtain information concerning the make-up exam.

And most importantly, you will only be allowed to take a make-up exam if you have an officially excused absence for missing the exam. Many students make the mistake of thinking they are not prepared for an exam, so they miss an exam day and then expect to make up that exam when they are better prepared. This example is not an officially excused absence and you will not be allowed to take the make-up exam.

VII. Grading Distribution for all Course Requirements:

Exam #1 = 100 points Exam #2 = 100 points Exam #3 = 100 points In-class activities = 100 points* Total points for the course = 400 points

*You will have five in-class assignments worth 20 points each for a total of 100 points. These assignments are designed to help you master the geographical concepts and processes covered in the course. You will be given an allotted amount of time in class to complete the assignments. Assignments must be completed with the allotted time frame and will be collected at the end of the allotted time.

You will have 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete Exams #1 and #2. For the final exam you will have 2 hours in which to complete the exam. At the end of the stated exam times, I will pick up all exams and we will proceed with lecture, except for the final exam. Upon completion of the final exam, you are free to go unless you have class issues to discuss with me.

VIII. Grading Scale:

A = 360 ? 400 points B = 320 ? 359 points C = 280 ? 319 points D = 240 ? 279 points F = 240 ? 0 points

NOTE: This syllabus is subject to change based on the needs of the class.

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